Sometimes Our Choice, Sometimes Our Surprise

I heard these words in a recent sermon - Sometimes our choice, sometimes our surprise. 

There are so many things in life that we choose to do but are then made special by an unexpected surprise.  Whether it is the out-of-the way restaurant or the family visit; the book gathering dust on the shelf or the quiet moment of self-reflection, there are those moments that sneak up and surprise us with their wonder, splendor and delight. 

While these words were meant to be spiritual and inspirational, I found them to be so representative of the process of selling houses.

There are situations when savvy sellers enthusiastically choose to stage their house for sale.  They recognize that it either lacks something or has too much of many things and can benefit from the trained eye of a professional stager.  I am inspired by those savvy sellers who are willing and able to help me help them transform their house increasing the possibilities it will sell in the shortest possible time for the highest price.  One of the best rewards for me is when the savvy sellers are surprised by how good their staged house looks.  In some cases, they ask if I will “stage” their new house so that it looks as good as this one does.

There are other situations when Realtors and sellers reluctantly turn to a professional stager because the feedback from other Realtors points out an issue or “problem” with a room or a space that puts off potential buyers.  These situations are challenges that I relish because I know that I can help the seller solve this problem and appeal to as many buyers as possible.  It is rewarding to have feedback about their surprise at how my staging transformed their house.

The final surprise happens to me.  I must confess there are houses that present challenges and anxieties as I ponder how to stage that house.  Occasionally, I hit a wall and think “this is the one where I will get me”.  Then, I make choices about what to put where and what to add.  Then, inspiration strikes and the surprise bursts forth!  My choices make sense; the problems melt away and the house is transformed into a space I am proud to claim as one of my better efforts (Truth in staging, like a parent with many children, I love each and every house that I stage – and I hope my love comes through to everyone who enters the door!).

Sometimes our choice, sometimes our surprise – I encourage you to make those choices but also be open to the possibility of being surprised by the family visit, the moment of self-reflection or the house transformed by professional staging.

Dwell in possibilities

Cindy